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Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

What they are

The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (OECD MNE Guidelines) are the most comprehensive instrument for promoting responsible business conduct. 46 countries adhere to them, including all OECD member countries and 12 non-member economies. The Guidelines reflect a political understanding of what constitutes appropriate and fair business behavior. They are part of the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises, which aims to balance the promotion of an open investment climate with responsible business conduct.

 

Why they matter

The MNE Guidelines are the only multilaterally agreed corporate responsibility instrument that adhering governments have committed to promoting globally.  They cover all major areas of business ethics, such as human rights, information disclosure, employment and labor, environment, anti-corruption, consumer interests, science and technology, competition and taxation. The 2011 Guidelines include a number of new features, such as a comprehensive concept to avoid adverse impacts, including a related due diligence provision, and new provisions on how to promote observance of the Guidelines in the supply chains.

 

How they impact

The Guidelines are supported by a unique implementation mechanism of National Contact Points established by adhering governments. Through NCPs, interested parties can resolve disagreement over the implementation of the Guidelines and find a common solution. BIAC works with the OECD and its members to ensure a smooth functioning and clear understanding of the process, which is intended to stimulate fair behavior not legal disputes. The Guidelines are not only a demand on business, but also contribute to providing a more level playing field and protect business from unrealistic expectations. BIAC is involved in multiple awareness-raising activities throughout the year.

Documents & Releases

  • pdf

    January 2020

    Updated Business at OECD brochure on the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

  • pdf

    June 2018

    BIAC contribution on the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct

  • pdf

    December 2017

    BIAC Brochure on OECD MNE Guidelines

  • pdf

    July 2017

    BIAC Summary of key issues raised at the meeting on the OECD MNE Guidelines and the National Contact Point procedure, 28 June 2017

  • pdf

    March 2016

    40 years of OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, an article in the World Commerce Review

  • pdf

    October 2015

    Joint BIAC-TUAC-OECD Watch statement on NCPs

  • pdf

    June 2015

    BIAC Brochure on OECD MNE Guidelines

  • pdf

    June 2015

    Third BIAC Survey of Member Companies’ Experiences with NCPs and Specific Instance Procedures - Discussion Paper for the 2015 Annual Meeting of NCPs

  • pdf

    May 2015

    Business in Brief: the OECD MNE Guidelines

  • pdf

    June 2014

    Ensuring a shared understanding of the role of National Contact Points of the OECD MNE Guidelines

  • pdf

    26 June 2014

    BIAC contribution to the OECD Global Forum on Responsible Business Conduct and the Informal Ministerial Meeting

  • pdf

    March 2014

    Are the OECD MNE Guidelines applicable only to MNEs or to all companies

  • pdf

    June 2013

    BIAC NCP Survey Paper

  • pdf

    19-20 June 2012

    BIAC Survey of Member Companies’ Experiences in NCP Specific Instance Procedures and Recommendations for National Contact Points

  • pdf

    25-26 May 2011

    BIAC Statement on the Adoption of the Update of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises at the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting

News and press releases

Business at OECD statement on the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Paris, 25 February 2022 – The Marshall plan, crucial to rebuilding Europe after World War II, led to the creation of the OECD, which ultimately showed that economic cooperation... read more

Member spotlight

USCIB Trade and Investment Agenda 2022

Browse the 2022 Trade and Investment Agenda from our United States of America National Member Organization USCIB here. read more

Recent Publications

Ensuring a Resilient and Healthy Environment for All – March 2022

Business at OECD (BIAC) Contribution to the Meeting of the OECD Environment Policy Committee at Ministerial Level download (pdf)

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